Andy McNeil says:
The Central Plains took the small crowd of the smoky Thunderbird Cafe on a lyrical stroll, from the familiarity of Pittsburgh to wilds of the arctic, during a March 26 performance in Lawrenceville.
Each song invited the listener to take a trip around the world and back, much like the journeys of the group's Swedish-born singer Nik Westman.
The band, although local, showed its dynamic range of influence in a complex arrangement of original folk and indie rock songs that pleased patrons the whole night.
Lead guitarist Tom Demagall cites Bob Dylan as a major influence, which is often apparent in the band's sound. No song epitomizes this style more than "Burlee," a number placed in the heart of the night's set.
"Burlee," like many of the songs, blends the warm tones and high-octave whine of Demagall's guitar with the punchy low-end drive of Kraig Decker's bass. Drummer, Colin Bronnenkant, provided a steady rhythmic foundation.
Westman's often unorthodox lyrical styling and wavering vocal patterns pay homage to Dylan. The Plains' music draws on The Band's organic folk sound as if Big Pink had been moved from eastern New York to Pittsburgh.
"Let's meet somewhere and meet in the middle for today," Westman sang in "Burlee." Westman also played rhythm, which seemed like a lyrical suggestion for the lead guitar and bass to blend, in spite of each instrument's variation of tone.
Westman, who bantered playfully in between songs and gave thanks to the opening act, The Deceptions, announced, "We're going to play this one; you know this one," keeping the crowd of about 40 people in suspense for a moment, before striking the first chords of "Dearly." This fan favorite elicited a joyful outburst from several people to the left of the stage.
"Dearly" carried a similar melody to the opening song "Red Eyed Vultures," which had a distinctive sound comparable to the Strokes' choppy, high-pitched guitar riffs laid over silky smooth bass.
Westman jokingly refused to talk about the night's set until he had a beer in hand. He said that "Dearly" and "Yer the Blues," a song with a blues-driven, slow-hand solo fitting for the Thunderbird's motif, were his favorite songs to play because of the crowd's large response.
The band looked comfortable on the stage, which was painted to look like the outside of a Chicago-style jazz club, a pawn shop and a tattoo parlor.
These surroundings helped to set a stimulating visual for the song "Mexican War Streets," the highlight of the night, which came swinging into the set at what baseball fans would refer to as the clean-up position. The song showcased the band's local influence by making reference to both the historic North Side neighborhood and the Warhol Museum. The song also gave Westman a chance to flaunt his interesting vocal choices.
"I know she swings both ways, she's so free," belted out Westman in "Mexican War Streets," showing his lyrics' playful relationship with innuendo.
During the song, his croon paralleled the style of Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock in both inflection and peculiar enunciation. Even Westman pointed out his band's similarities to the Washington-based indie act in between songs.
Westman, who moved from Sweden to America in his early teens, switched from an electric acoustic to a hollow-body electric guitar for "Arctic Dance." This change in instruments elevated the volume of his mid-range tone and allowed it to soar along with the lead guitar.
The Plains ended the set with "Making Margaritas," a song that Westman wrote while studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. It used a simple chord progression and cheery drumbeat, played by himself and the drummer, to get the crowd clapping and singing along. This allowed Demagall and Decker to unplug their gear and join their fellow revelers off-stage.
When asked about the driving force behind the band's members after the show, Westman said he was not exactly sure what pushes him to play music, but he was able to pinpoint the start of his career.
"I used to play 'Jingle Bells' when I was in first grade on one string," Westman said, while attempting not to crack a smile.
Despite such humble beginnings, the members of the Central Plains have blossomed into a talented act, worth much more than the $5 cover charge. The band embraces its city's influence on its music, allowing a broad spectrum of sounds to shine through in their skillful playing. (article written for the Globe 4/9/09)
Nik Westman & the Central Plains's Friend Space (Top 20)
Nik Westman & the Central Plains has 1312 friends.
you are probably aware that we are playing together twice in october. this is GREAT NEWS. we can do each other's hair and maybe arm wrestle for ca$h prizes.
Great show at the t-bird, guys! we've all been talking about it...you sounded better than you ever have! we fell in love with the t-bird...can't wait to play there again! keep rockin!
Nik: We're playing at Club Cafe the next 2 thursdays! Random asshole in crowd: That sucks! hahaha! Nik: Well at least we're doing something. Me: HAHAHAHA!!
Dude, that cracked me up! That dude looked back at me like "I'm funny, right?".
Good show as always gentlemen. I'll be seeing you again soon I'm sure.
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